Here’s what you need to know about the TSA’s new measures for checking electronic devices

The Transportation Security Administration has this week announced new measures for checking large personal electronic devices for carry-on luggage. The new procedures will see a tighter process being introduced when it comes to x-ray screening at security checkpoints.

The new measures will require passengers to place large devices in separate bins for screening. Image by Scott Olson/Getty Images

The rules call for all electronic items larger than a cell phone to be placed in separate bins for screening in standard lanes, a process that has previously been exclusive to laptop computers. The procedure is said to allow TSA officers to take a clearer x-ray image of items such as tablets, hand held game consoles, e-readers and drones.

Officials have begun testing the new procedures at ten different airports in the United States, which are Boise Airport, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, Colorado Springs Airport, Logan International, Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, McCarran International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbour, Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport and LAX. Plans are also in place to expand the measures to all airports across the country within the coming months.

Passengers are being encouraged to organise their carry-on luggage to ease times at checkpoints. Image by John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images

Travellers have been encouraged to organise their carry-on bags in such a way as to keep them uncluttered, and to ease the screening process. There are no changes to what can be brought through checkpoints, with food and liquid items that comply with the set rules still being allowed. “Whether you’re flying to, from, or within the United States, TSA is committed to raising the baseline for aviation security by strengthening the overall security of our commercial aviation network to keep flying as a safe option for everyone,” said TSA Acting Administrator Huban A. Gowadia.

Last month saw DHS Secretary John Kelly announcing new security requirements for nearly 280 airports in more than 100 countries. The news comes after the TSA lifted restrictions on large personal electronic devices at ten airports and nine airlines in the Middle East and North Africa.

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